LaDainian Tomlinson was last season's 'sure bet' number one fantasy draft pick and he finds himself in the top spot again this year. With the first pick being a no-brainer, who should go second?
No.1 Overall: LaDainian Tomlinson
No. 2 Overall: ?
From the beginning of the summer up until now, the number one draft choice has stayed the same. The number two spot is a different story. If you end up with the No. 2 pick in your draft, whoever you pick is going to turn out to be a great player. But the important thing is figuring out who will be the greater player. Let's review the candidates.
No. 2 Overall: Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams
Steven Jackson could turn out to be the biggest fantasy point producer this season. Jackson can compete with Tomlinson for fantasy numbers because he has the skill to bull through defensive lines (1528 yards rushing) and the finesse to catch balls from the backfield (90 catches last year). The Rams offense is primed to return to being known as the best show on turf and Jackson will be the ring leader. With the addition of Randy McMichael and Drew Bennett, the passing game received a much needed make-over and Jackson will benefit. But you might be thinking that Jackson will receive less carries than the 346 carries he got last year and that his 806 receiving yards might be effected. My opinion is that the offense just got better and Jackson's job just got easier. Yes, he might not catch the ball 90 times, but with the additional help on offense, his 16 total touchdowns should improve to over 20. Keep in mind that Jackson is just 24 years old and his three years in the league are more like two (Jackson only started three games his rookie season). If Jackson carries the ball 400 times and catches another 90 passes, he could be next year's clear favorite for number one.
No. 2 Overall: Larry Johnson, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
There are plenty of knocks on Larry Johnson. He just recently signed, but before that was complaining about his contract. His team doesn't have a solid quarterback, offensive line or wide receivers. And he did just run the ball for a record 416 times last season in his first year starting every game and carrying a full load. Well, the contract dispute is over. The team made the playoffs last year. And the carries, get ready for more! Johnson would have carried the ball 464 times if his numbers from the nine games he started during 2005 were extrapolated over 16 games. Johnson could, and might have to, run the ball 450 times this season. With 450 carries, Eric Dickerson's 2,105 could be in jeopardy. Now, think back to your draft in 2003 -- did you pass on Jamal Lewis who ran for 2,066 yards? What about in 1997 -- did you pass up Barry Sanders who ran for 2,053? Can you afford to do the same this year? If you think that Larry Johnson is strictly a runner and won't score points as a receiving threat, think again. When Johnson catches the ball from the backfield he gets a first down everytime. In 2005, Johnson was ranked best amongst running backs with at least 25 receptions in yards per catch (10.4) and last season he picked up an average of 10.0 yards on his 41 catches. Larry might not need to run 450 times if Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Mike Solari can find a way to double Johnson's receptions. This could be the year that 2,000 yards is eclipse, will you remember when you had Larry Johnson? Or will you remember when you didn't draft him?
No. 2 Overall: Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Frank Gore's stock took a stumble when he broke his hand early in pre-season. On draft night, Gore's injury might turn out to be a good thing and could be a reason to draft him, not avoid him. As Gore waits, his hunger grows. With Gore watching more than running in pre-season, he'll have fresh legs in order to defend his NFC rushing title. Last season Gore ran for a Niner record 1,695 yards and has been saying he wouldn't mind pushing for 2,000 in 2007. Gore, much like Steven Jackson, will see improvements in his own game thanks to improvements to the offense around him. Alex Smith is another year older and got his passing game pimped this offseason with the addition of Darrell Jackson. Smith will also get a healthy Vernon Davis which could help open up more room for Gore to work. Last year was basically Gore's first season as a pro. Granted he did run the ball 127 times in 2005, his 312 carries and 16 consecutive starts last year proved his past was behind and his future was ahead. You might be familiar with Gore's injury history, but he is a review: After his Freshman season at the University of Miami Gore suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during spring practice and spent 2002 recovering. He returned in 2003 with three straight 100 yard games before tearing the ACL in his right knee. Gore returned in 2004 for his final season as a Hurricane before he was drafted by the 49ers 65th overall in 2005. In 2005, he was inactive for only two games with a groin injury, and as a rookie he led the team in rushing. Last year, Gore's 2,180 total yards, which broke the Niners franchise record, were second in the NFL to Steven Jackson. In a fantasy league that favors yardage over touchdowns, Gore's comfortable to compare himself with Tomlinson. A pre-season hand injury have fantasy owners wondering if they should gamble on Gore. A review of the NFL Draft in 2005 said about Gore that "Although his natural talent as a runner was remarkable, a less than stellar injury history caused him to slip to the 3rd round". Don't let Gore slip in your draft -- he could turn out to be the second best player behind Tomlinson.
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